Wieber J, Preece A, Rein R
… +1 more, Braunstein B
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Jun · PMID 39978350
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Applying joint position sense tests under different test conditions may introduce reproduction error bias, which can result in different therapeutic consequences. This study investigated the effects of body orientation,...Applying joint position sense tests under different test conditions may introduce reproduction error bias, which can result in different therapeutic consequences. This study investigated the effects of body orientation, movement direction, and limb dominance on the active knee angle reproduction error. Subjects underwent active contralateral knee angle reproduction tests in a seated versus prone position, from a starting point of knee flexion versus knee extension, and with the dominant versus nondominant limb setting the target angle. The test order was randomly determined for each subject. The primary outcome was the absolute active knee angle reproduction error (°). The data of 54 healthy subjects (mean±standard deviation, age: 26±5 years, height: 174±11 cm, body mass: 69.9±14.4 kg, and Tegner activity score: 5.8±1.9) showed that the reproduction error was greater in the seated position than in the prone position. The use of the dominant limb as the reference limb was associated with significantly greater errors in the seated position, but not in the prone position. In conclusion, directly comparing the results obtained in the prone and seated positions is not recommended. However, the dominance of the reference limb might be relevant when testing patients and comparing healthy and injured knees.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Sep · PMID 39947644
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In 1991, I published a physiological model of marathon running performance. My model predicted that it might be possible for a human to run the marathon in less than 2 hours. In this article, I review the genesis of my t...In 1991, I published a physiological model of marathon running performance. My model predicted that it might be possible for a human to run the marathon in less than 2 hours. In this article, I review the genesis of my thinking at that time, share my perspective about what has changed over the last 30 plus years, and speculate about what the future might hold.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 May · PMID 39947635
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This study aimed to analyze the relationships between training load metrics and various dimensions of recovery over the course of 105 days during the competitive season. This study included 14 elite male volleyball playe...This study aimed to analyze the relationships between training load metrics and various dimensions of recovery over the course of 105 days during the competitive season. This study included 14 elite male volleyball players who participated in 95 training sessions and 18 matches. The session rating of perceived exertion and inertial measurement units were utilized to measure internal and external training loads, respectively. Biological recovery was assessed using the countermovement jump test, while social and psychological recoveries were measured through the RESTQ-Sport. Relationships were examined using linear mixed-effect models to account for repeated measures across players and time points. The results revealed that chronic external training loads negatively influenced the biological recovery, with increases in chronic external training loads associated with a longer time to take-off (=- 0.008, =0.03) and a reduced modified reactive strength index (=- 0.008, =0.047). Social recovery was influenced by internal training load metrics, with acute internal training loads increasing social stress (=- 3.512, =0.034). For psychological recovery, chronic internal training loads and the acute:chronic internal training load ratio were linked to higher emotional exhaustion (=- 0.013, =0.029; =0.021, <0.001, respectively). These findings highlight the critical role of external load management in the biological recovery and the relevance of subjective internal load measures in monitoring social and psychological recovery dimensions. Coaches are encouraged to integrate time-based neuromuscular metrics and perceptual load assessments into their recovery monitoring protocols to optimize athletes' well-being and performance.
Sano Y, Kawabata M, Sumiya Y
… +7 more, Watanabe Y, Uchida Y, Inada T, Murase M, Kenmoku T, Watanabe H, Takahira N
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Jun · PMID 39933727
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Hamstring strain injuries often occur during high-speed movements; yet, no functional test reliably induces rapid hamstring contractions. This study aimed to determine the optimal platform height in the maximum-speed sin...Hamstring strain injuries often occur during high-speed movements; yet, no functional test reliably induces rapid hamstring contractions. This study aimed to determine the optimal platform height in the maximum-speed single-leg bridge test to maximize hamstring activation. This cross-sectional study included 26 healthy male recreational athletes. Participants performed the maximum-speed single-leg bridge test using 20, 40, and 60 cm platforms at a maximal speed. The conventional single-leg bridge test was performed using a 60 cm platform at any speed. Measurements included buttock-raising speed; muscle activity of the semitendinosus, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus using surface electromyography; and heel-bearing force. The maximum-speed single-leg bridge test showed significantly faster buttock-raising speeds (0.7-1.0 m/s) than the single-leg bridge test (0.5 m/s; <0.01). Semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscle activities were significantly higher during the maximum-speed single-leg bridge test using 60 and 40 cm platforms (>90% maximal voluntary isometric contraction) than during the single-leg bridge test and the maximum-speed single-leg bridge test using a 20 cm platform (<0.01). Gluteus maximus muscle activity during the maximum-speed single-leg bridge test was approximately double than that during the single-leg bridge test (<0.01). The heel-bearing force was significantly higher during the maximum-speed single-leg bridge test than during the single-leg bridge test, and the maximum-speed single-leg bridge test using the 40 cm platform showed the highest force (<0.01). The maximum-speed single-leg bridge test using 40 and 60 platforms required higher hamstring activity, with faster buttock-raising speeds and greater heel-bearing force than the single-leg bridge test and the maximum-speed single-leg bridge test using the 20 platform.
Zhang Y, Xu K, Yin M
… +4 more, Duan B, Kong H, Xie Y, Girard O
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Jun · PMID 39933726
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This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of blood flow restriction training on strength and aerobic capacity in athletes, examining how training variables and participant characteristics influenced...This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of blood flow restriction training on strength and aerobic capacity in athletes, examining how training variables and participant characteristics influenced outcomes. Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed English-language studies, and the risk of bias and the quality of evidence were assessed using RoB 2 and GRADEpro GDT. We evaluated pre- and post-test differences by a three-level meta-analysis using meta and metafor packages. Subgroup analyses and both linear and nonlinear meta-regression methods were used to explore moderating factors. Sixteen studies with "some concerns," the risk of bias and low evidence level, were included. Combining blood flow restriction with low-intensity resistance training produced an effect size of 0.25 for strength, while combining blood flow restriction with aerobic training had an effect size of 0.42. For aerobic capacity, the effect size of combining blood flow restriction with aerobic training was 0.58. Subgroup and regression analyses showed no significant differences. While blood flow restriction with low-intensity resistance training enhances strength, it does not result in additional gains. Combining blood flow restriction with aerobic training enhances both the strength and the aerobic capacity. Overall, blood flow restriction appears to offer the most benefits for male athletes in improving the strength and aerobic capacity.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 May · PMID 39923763
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This study aims to describe and compare adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (recommendations for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration) among children before and during COVID-19 pandemic . The liter...This study aims to describe and compare adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (recommendations for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration) among children before and during COVID-19 pandemic . The literature search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus for quantitative studies on 24-hour movement behaviors, published in English. The studies were categorized by collection date into before the pandemic (June 16th, 2016 - March 10, 2020) and during the pandemic (March 11th, 2020 - May 5, 2023), with all studies included. A random-effects model was employed to synthesize the adherence rates, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, sex, region, and Human development index (HDI) groups. Before the pandemic, 12.1% (95% CI:10.3%-13.9%) of overall children met the three recommendations. During the pandemic, 8.6% (95% CI: 6.4%-11.4%) of overall children met the three recommendations. The adherence to the three recommendations during the pandemic was 3.5% lower (p<0.05) than before the pandemic, with significant regional differences (p<0.05). Most children fail to meet the guidelines in any period. The adherence to the three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines during the pandemic was lower than before, with varying degrees of low adherence across different groups.
Westerberg H, Stanforth PR, Carbuhn A
… +2 more, Bosch T, Dengel DR
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Feb · PMID 39904352
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The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle-to-bone (MBR) and soft tissue-to-bone ratios (SBR) of 459 track and field athletes across event groups to identify differences in MBR and SBR. Dual X-ray absorptiometry...The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle-to-bone (MBR) and soft tissue-to-bone ratios (SBR) of 459 track and field athletes across event groups to identify differences in MBR and SBR. Dual X-ray absorptiometry provided total and regional (i.e., arm, leg, trunk) lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral content (BMC). MBR was calculated by dividing LM by BMC. The SBR was calculated by dividing LM+FM by BMC. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare ratios across event groups. Dunn's post-hoc tests were utilized to adjust for multiple comparisons. Total MBR for females was higher in the throwers compared to the multievent athletes (p=0.02). For the males, total MBR was lower in jumpers compared to all events except pole vaulters (PV) (p<0.05). Trunk MBR was higher in the long-distance runners (LD) compared to jumpers, PV, and throwers (p<0.05). The throwers had higher total, arm, and leg SBRs compared to the jumpers, LD, middle distance, PV, and sprint groups (p<0.05). Significant differences in total and regional MBR and SBR were identified across event groups for both sexes, and may indicate event-specific adaptations impacting the balance between soft tissue and bone.
Silvino VO, Almeida SS, Apaza HM
… +6 more, de Moura RC, Costa CM, Ferreira CP, Beleense GS, Ribeiro SLG, Dos Santos MAP
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Apr · PMID 39879994
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This study investigated the association between the ACE (I/D) polymorphism and strength phenotypes in Brazilian male handball players, considering their playing position. A total of 105 male junior handball players and 9...This study investigated the association between the ACE (I/D) polymorphism and strength phenotypes in Brazilian male handball players, considering their playing position. A total of 105 male junior handball players and 92 controls were evaluated. The ACE I/D polymorphism was genotyped by conventional PCR followed by electrophoresis in agarose gel. All participants were anthropometrically evaluated and performed the standing long jump (SLJ) and medicine ball throw (MBT) tests. Athletes presented superior performance in the SLJ and MBT tests compared to the control group in all playing positions (p<0.01). No significant differences were observed in genotype or allele frequencies when comparing athletes and controls or among playing positions. However, a significant difference was observed when comparing all athletes to controls using the over-dominant model (II+DD vs. ID; p=0.035). Additionally, ID athletes had better performance in the MBT than DD players (p=0.04), athletes with II+ID and II+DD genotypes exhibited superior performance in the SLJ test (p<0.04), and ID athletes demonstrated increased height compared to II+DD counterparts (p=0.01). In conclusion, our data showed a potential association between ACE (I/D) polymorphism and overall athletic predisposition in handball players, with no association with playing position.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 May · PMID 39855266
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The effects of the two popular strategies, scapular adduction and depression and scapular posterior tilt, on the muscle activity of trapezius and serratus anterior muscles have not been compared. This study demonstrates...The effects of the two popular strategies, scapular adduction and depression and scapular posterior tilt, on the muscle activity of trapezius and serratus anterior muscles have not been compared. This study demonstrates the effects of additional scapular adduction and depression and scapular posterior tilt movements on the activation of trapezius and serratus anterior muscles and scapular kinematics during arm raising. Eighteen asymptomatic men performed arm raising tasks with and without additional scapular movements, including scapular adduction and depression and scapular posterior tilt. During all tasks, the muscle activity of the upper/middle/lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles was measured using surface electromyography; scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt angles were measured using a smartphone application. Lower trapezius muscle activity significantly increased during arm raising with scapular adduction and depression (=0.001) or scapular posterior tilt compared to preferred arm raising (<0.001). However, arm raising with the scapular posterior tilt showed significantly greater serratus anterior muscle activity (=0.002) and scapular posterior tilt angle (=0.001) together with lesser upper trapezius muscle activity (=0.027) compared with those of scapular adduction and depression. Scapular posterior tilt may be effective for increasing the lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscle activity while reducing the upper trapezius muscle activity.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 May · PMID 39832765
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This study aimed to investigate whether 14 weeks of β-alanine supplementation and high-intensity intermittent training improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations and cognitive aspects related to executive...This study aimed to investigate whether 14 weeks of β-alanine supplementation and high-intensity intermittent training improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations and cognitive aspects related to executive functions assessed by the Stroop test. Thirteen healthy and active men underwent a 4-week supplementation period (β-alanine: 6.4 g/d or a placebo) followed by 10-week supplementation combined with high-intensity intermittent training, totaling 14 weeks of intervention. Participants underwent a graded exercise test, while the blood samples for brain-derived neurotrophic factor analysis and the Stroop test (cognitive task) were assessed before and after a high-intensity intermittent exercise (10 runs of 1:1 min effort and a pause ratio at 130% of respiratory compensation point). These measurements were performed three times across the study being at baseline, after 4 weeks of supplementation (POST) and at the end of the 14 weeks of study (POST). Compared to baseline values, there were no improvements in brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations or Stroop test performance with either β-alanine or high-intensity intermittent training. Lactate peak concentrations in a high-intensity intermittent exercise session also did not differ between groups. However, high-intensity intermittent training did improve some cardiorespiratory parameters (i.e., intensity associated with V̇O =0.01 and respiratory compensation point, =0.01). In conclusion, β-alanine supplementation alone or associated with high-intensity intermittent training did not improve the brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations and Stroop test performance in healthy men.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Apr · PMID 39832764
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Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease that is one of the leading causes of death and neurological disorders worldwide. Exosomes are a novel class of intercellular signaling regulators containing cell-specif...Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease that is one of the leading causes of death and neurological disorders worldwide. Exosomes are a novel class of intercellular signaling regulators containing cell-specific proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that transmit messages between cells and tissues. MicroRNAs are regulatory non-coding ribonucleic acids that are usually present in exosomes as signaling molecules. Studies have shown that exosomes and exosomal microRNAs can improve the prognosis of ischemic stroke by inhibiting the inflammatory response, reducing apoptosis, improving the imbalance of oxidative and antioxidant systems, and regulating cellular autophagy, among other processes. Previous studies have shown that exercise training can exert neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke by promoting the release of exosomes and regulating the expression of exosomal microRNAs, which in turn regulate multiple signaling pathways. Exosomes and exosomal microRNAs may be key targets for exercise to promote cerebrovascular health. Therefore, the study of exercise-mediated exosomes and their microRNAs may provide new perspectives for exploring the mechanism of exercise intervention in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Apr · PMID 39832763
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Cardiopulmonary exercise testing involves collecting variable breath-by-breath data and sometimes requiring data processing of outlier removal, interpolation, and averaging before later analysis. These data processing ch...Cardiopulmonary exercise testing involves collecting variable breath-by-breath data and sometimes requiring data processing of outlier removal, interpolation, and averaging before later analysis. These data processing choices, such as averaging duration, affect calculated values such as ˙VOmax. However, assessing the implications of data processing without knowing popular methods worth comparing is difficult. In addition, such details aid study reproduction. We conducted a semi-automated scoping review of articles with exercise testing that collected data breath-by-breath from three databases. Of the 8,344 articles, 376 (mean: 4.5% and 95% confidence interval: 4.1-5.0%) and 581 (mean: 7.0% and 95% confidence interval: 6.4-7.5%) described outlier removal and interpolation, respectively. A random subset of 1,078 articles revealed (mean: 60.9% and 95% confidence interval: 57.9-63.7%) the reported averaging methods. The commonly documented outlier cutoffs were±3 or 4 SD (39.1 and 51.6%, respectively). The dominating interpolation duration and procedure were 1 s (93.9%) and linear interpolation (92.5%). Averaging methods commonly described were 30 (30.9%), 60 (12.4%), 15 (11.6%), 10 (11.0%), and 20 (8.1%) second bin averages. This shows that studies collecting breath-by-breath data often lack detailed descriptions of data processing methods, particularly for outlier removal and interpolation. While averaging methods are more commonly reported, improved documentation across all processing steps will enhance reproducibility and facilitate future research comparing data processing choices.
Zhao C, Li C, Su R
… +4 more, Chen L, Wei W, Meng M, Chen C
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Mar · PMID 39826537
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This meta-analysis was aimed to compare the effects of two methods on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Kn...This meta-analysis was aimed to compare the effects of two methods on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to December 2023. Two authors independently selected the included studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and certainty evidence. The primary meta-analysis compared the effects of blood flow restriction combined with resistance training (BFR-RT) and high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on the indicator jump height (JH) and power output (PO) of PAPE. The secondary meta-analyses compared within-group differences by gender and between-group differences between the optimal combined protocol of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) combined with resistance load and the HL-RT protocol. This meta-analysis shows that both BFR-RT and HL-RT significantly improved JH (standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.20, 0.59]) (SMD=0.34, 95% CI [0.19, 0.48]) and PO (SMD=0.42, 95% CI [0.21, 0.62]) (SMD=0.37, 95%CI [0.19, 0.54]), and there was no significant difference between them. However, subgroup analysis revealed that in terms of gender, BFR-RT was more beneficial for PAPE in females, and in terms of combined protocol, BFR-RT with 50% AOP+30% 1 repetition maximum had the greatest effect compared to HL-RT.BFR-RT can serve as an effective alternative to HL-RT for inducing PAPE.
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 May · PMID 39821853
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The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of fracture injuries and post-fracture management practices by weight classes. A total of 127 male collegiate Taekwondo athletes (64 lightweight athletes and 63 hea...The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of fracture injuries and post-fracture management practices by weight classes. A total of 127 male collegiate Taekwondo athletes (64 lightweight athletes and 63 heavyweight athletes) participated in this study. The athletes were classified into lightweight and heavyweight based on their respective competition weight divisions. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Athletes had experienced fractures to 54.3%. Athletes were more likely to experience fractures during training and defensive movements. Of the fractures reported, 31.9% necessitated surgical intervention. Although 65.1% of the athletes were primarily concerned about the possibility of reinjury, only 36.2% received specialized rehabilitation. The heavyweight athletes had a higher prevalence of fractures (odds ratio=2.40 and 95% confidence interval=1.17-4.90) than the lightweight athletes. The heavyweight athletes had a higher prevalence of fractures during the competition (odds ratio=4.83 and 95% confidence interval=1.54-15.17), in offensive situations (odds ratio=4.67 and 95% confidence interval=1.38-15.99), and in the lower limbs (odds ratio=3.84 and 95% confidence interval=1.12-13.14) than the lightweight athletes. The current evidence that fractures are common in Taekwondo athletes and that fracture patterns may differ between heavyweight and lightweight athletes highlights the need for tailored prevention strategies based on weight classes.
Kassiano W, Costa B, Kunevaliki G
… +9 more, Lisboa F, Stavinski N, Prado A, Tricoli I, Francsuel J, Lima L, Nunes J, Ribeiro AS, Cyrino ES
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 May · PMID 39809454
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We compared performing preacher and incline biceps curls on changes in elbow flexor muscle size and strength. This was a between-group repeated measure randomized trial. Sixty-three young women performed the preacher bic...We compared performing preacher and incline biceps curls on changes in elbow flexor muscle size and strength. This was a between-group repeated measure randomized trial. Sixty-three young women performed the preacher biceps curl (=30) or the incline biceps curl (=33) for 8 weeks, twice a week. We measured the muscle thickness of elbow flexors at the proximal, middle, and distal sites. We assessed the muscle strength using three repetition maximum tests in the preacher curl and the incline curl. We observed a greater increase in the proximal elbow flexor thickness in the incline biceps curl compared to the preacher biceps curl (mean difference=0.08 cm [95% confidence interval: 0.02, 0.13 cm]). We observed a greater increase in the distal elbow flexor thickness in the preacher biceps curl compared to the incline biceps curl (mean difference=0.10 cm [95%CI: 0.04, 0.15 cm]). The preacher biceps curl showed a greater increase in three repetition maximum tests in the preacher curl (mean difference=1.88 kg [95%CI: 1.14, 2.62 kg]). The incline biceps curl showed a greater increase in three repetition maximum tests in the incline biceps curl (mean difference=0.86 kg [95%CI: 0.10, 1.62 kg]). Our findings suggest regional differences in muscle growth induced by the preacher and incline biceps curls. Strength gains appear to follow the principle of specificity.
Lubiak SM, Proppe CE, Rivera PM
… +9 more, Howard MA, Prajapati AJ, Shah NM, Patel NN, Hammer SM, Trevino MA, Dinyer-McNeely TK, Zak RB, Hill EC
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Apr · PMID 39809443
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The purpose of this investigation was to examine muscle excitation at maximal running capacity without blood flow restriction (BFR) relative to submaximal running bouts with BFR. Fourteen college-aged males randomly comp...The purpose of this investigation was to examine muscle excitation at maximal running capacity without blood flow restriction (BFR) relative to submaximal running bouts with BFR. Fourteen college-aged males randomly completed four, three-minute running bouts at 70, 80, and 90% of peak speed with BFR (70%, 80%, and 90%) and without BFR at 100% of their peak speed (100%). The surface electromyographic amplitudes of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis muscles were assessed. Muscle excitation of the vastus lateralis was similar across most bouts; however, it was lower during the 70% compared to 90% (Meandiff =-4.67±- 0.22%; Bayesian 95% high-density interval [HDI]: - 7.07 to - 2.2) and 100% (Meandiff =-2.94±- 0.27%; 95% HDI:-5.33 to-0.50) bouts. For the rectus femoris, muscle excitation largely increased across running speeds (70%<80% < 90%; 90% < 100%). For the vastus medialis, muscle excitation was lower during the 70% compared to 90% (Meandiff =-8.15±- 0.28%; 95% HDI:-15.3 to-0.89). Submaximal running with BFR increased muscle excitation responses for the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, such that muscle excitation was similar to 100%, despite 10-20% reductions in running speed. The rectus femoris muscle, however, was not affected by BFR during the submaximal running bouts.
Oliver L, Goodman S, Sullivan J
… +2 more, Peake J, Kelly V
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 May · PMID 39788535
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Mental fatigue is referred to as a psychophysiological or neurobiological state caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity. Sport and exercise science research studies have investigated the effects of ex...Mental fatigue is referred to as a psychophysiological or neurobiological state caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity. Sport and exercise science research studies have investigated the effects of experimentally induced mental fatigue on cognitive performance, with mixed results. It has been suggested that negative effects of mental fatigue on cognition performance in laboratory studies could translate to impaired sport performance. However, it remains unclear if impairments in sport performance are due to mental fatigue and how mental fatigue may differ from physical fatigue. Fatigue is well understood as a complex multifactorial construct involving interactions between physiological and neuropsychological responses across brain regions. It may be prudent for researchers to return to the origins of fatigue and cognition before attempting to connect mental fatigue and sport cognition. This article reviews the concept of mental fatigue, its mechanisms and neuroanatomical basis, models of cognition relevant to sports science, investigates how mental fatigue may influence cognition, and suggests future research directions. Mental fatigue as a construct separated from fatigue could be an oversight that has hindered the development of our understanding of mental fatigue. Future sports science research could work to enhance our knowledge of our definitions of fatigue.
Muramoto Y, Momoi M, Nakashima D
… +12 more, Omae K, Sugai K, Daigo K, Iwasawa Y, Ichihara G, Okawara H, Sawada T, Kinoda A, Yamada Y, Kimura T, Sato K, Katsumata Y
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Apr · PMID 39788157
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Hypoxic training enhances endurance sports tolerance. However, individual responses vary due to physiological differences. This study investigated the relationship between genetic factors and exercise tolerance in hypoxi...Hypoxic training enhances endurance sports tolerance. However, individual responses vary due to physiological differences. This study investigated the relationship between genetic factors and exercise tolerance in hypoxic conditions. This randomized crossover study included 22 male university students (age 20.8±1.3 years, peak oxygen uptake 54.5±6.5 mL/min/kg). Incremental load tests were conducted to assess the symptomatic limit on separate days under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (oxygen concentration 15.4±0.8%) using an ergometer. The initial test environment was randomized. The peak oxygen uptake and blood lactate were monitored every minute, and Δ peak oxygen uptake (peak oxygen uptake under hypoxia - peak oxygen uptake under normoxia) was calculated. Sixteen genotypes linked to exercise tolerance (such as angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE]) were examined. Peak oxygen uptake significantly decreased under hypoxia (p<0.01). Δ peak oxygen uptake varied among individuals (minimum: 0.7 and maximum: - 18.9). Among analyzed genetic polymorphisms, ACE-II genotypes showed significantly greater Δ peak oxygen uptake than ACE-ID/ACE-DD genotypes (p=0.02). ACE-II genotypes exhibited lower blood lactate elevation at peak exercise in normoxic (p=0.01) and hypoxic (p=0.03) conditions. Participants with the ACE-II genotype had lower lactate concentrations and greater reductions in peak oxygen uptake under hypoxic conditions. Optimizing hypoxic training requires individualized programs incorporating genetic analysis.
Scheer V, Valero D, Thuany M
… +4 more, Knechtle B, Viljoen C, Ruescas Escolano E, Valero Burgos E
Int J Sports Med
· 2025 Apr · PMID 39626779
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Depression is an important public health issue. In the general adult population, about 6.7% are affected. Little data are available about endurance runners. We conducted a prospective survey study screening for depressio...Depression is an important public health issue. In the general adult population, about 6.7% are affected. Little data are available about endurance runners. We conducted a prospective survey study screening for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire and investigating potential associated risk factors in endurance runners (≥ 21.1-42.2 km) and ultraendurance runners (≥ 42.2 km). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, predictive techniques, and regression analysis. A total of n = 601 runners participated (female n=222 and male n=379; mean age [SD]: 42.8 years [± 10.1]). Overall, 11.3% screened positive for major depression, particularly female runners compared to male runners (p=0.002) and endurance runners compared to ultraendurance runners (p=0.023). No significant differences were observed among performance levels (elite vs. nonelite). Mild depression was observed in 21.6% of runners. Factors associated with a higher risk for screening for major depression included age (p<0.001), particularly runners under the age of 28 years, previous self-reported history of depression (p<0.001), more frequent weekly workouts (4-5/wk; p=0.021), weeks lost to injury (p=0.022), and female sex (p=0.025). A third of endurance and ultraendurance runners screened positive for depression, highlighting the importance of creating awareness for mental health issues and potential screening for athletes and providing access to appropriate support services and education.